In this insightful discussion, WatchProSite contributor hoseachandra seeks community input on two distinct black sports watches: the Bvlgari Octo Roma Worldtimer in DLC-coated steel and the Omega Planet Ocean 39.5mm Black Ceramic. His detailed comparison highlights the unique attributes and potential drawbacks of each, offering a valuable framework for collectors weighing aesthetics against technical specifications in their next acquisition. hoseachandra's quest for a robust, legible sport watch with specific water resistance and lume requirements resonates with many enthusiasts navigating the diverse luxury watch market.
So i have decided to give ny Omega seamaster commander to my brother for his wedding next summer.
Now i am looking for a sport watch to replace the Seamaster. A true sport watch, which mean at least 100 meter WR with screw down crown and legible (must have superluminova).
Foe first priority i will wait for IWC on this year's Watch and Wonders 2022. If they release a new Ingenieur that can win my heart, that will be the perfect watch. If not, or they mess with it, hence i will turn to these :
Bvlgari Octo Roma Wordtimer in DLC coated steel (904L steel).
What i like :
1. 41 mm with short L2L of just 46 mm. Wearable worldtimer (which usually on bigger size) . Thin for a world timer at 11.3 mm.
2. Stealthy matt black case will wear smaller, and free of any smudges. No bling at all.
3. Very legible and simple military, tactical look.
4. Unique octo case, looks like nothing else. 100 meter WR.
4. The price is very reasonable for an inhouse Worldtimer.
What i am in doubt :
1. Will the DLC wear off in time? I know it is much harder than PVD. But still, if any hard, sharp object hit the case....the DLC may peeled
2. Eventhough the black case wear smaller, the broad lug (24 mm) and octagonal case make it wear bigger . So total appearance stilk wear like 41 mm.
3. The movement does not have anything special. No antimagnetic, standard power reserve, no fancy silicon hairspring, shock absorber etc.
Omega planet Ocean 39.5 mm Black ceramic
What i like :
1. Perfect size . 39 5 mm diver with 45 L2L is rare nowadays.
2. Looks more upscale with sophisticated ceramic case with alternating brushed and polished (which i hear is very difficult on ceramic), ceramic dial and bezel, applied white gold markers.
3. Better movement. Caliber 8800 with 15,000 gauss, 60 hour PR. Also 600 meter WR.
4. Lighter than steel but heavier than titanium. Should be very balanced weight on wrist.
What i am in doubt :
1. The ceramic dial and bezel can look so shiny and reflecting . It oozes luxury but also a bit more blingy than i hope.
2. Ceramic case is scratchproof and should remain like new forever. But it can cracked or even shattered if hit by hard object or fall on the floor. The cost of replacing the case will be at least 30% of the price.
3. Difficult to source aftermarket 19 mm rubber strap (more difficult than 24 mm rubber strap for The Bvlgari above).
4. 14.3 mm thickness is a bit too much. I understand it is a 600 meter dive watch. But i think omega can make it thinner, especially with sub 40 mm size.
Regarding the price, Omega is more expensive by quite large margin, but i can get hefty discount for it, so the final price is almost the same.
Which one do you like more and why?
Thanks so much for your inputs.
